WOODLAWN, Md. (AP) - Baltimore County police say the death of a teenager following a struggle with an off-duty officer has been ruled a homicide.

Police say the state medical examiner's office notified the department Wednesday afternoon, saying that asphyxiation has been determined as the cause of death. Police say the department's homicide unit has begun investigating. Once that investigation is complete, the state's attorney's office will determine whether or not the homicide was justifiable.

Police say 17-year-old Christopher Brown was chased by the officer, who was at home in the Woodlawn area and went outside after hearing a loud noise. The officer found damage to his front door and chased Brown for several blocks. Police say the officer eventually pulled Brown from bushes and struggled with the teen before he fell unconscious.